Effective November 1, 2002

 

ARTICLE 41 - SIGN AND BILLBOARD REGULATIONS 

SECTION 4101          PURPOSE AND INTENT 

It is hereby determined that regulation of the location, size, placement and certain features of signs is necessary to enable the public to locate goods, services and facilities without difficulty and confusion, to promote traffic safety, safeguard public health and welfare, and prevent wasteful use of natural resources in competition among businesses for attention. 

In addition, it is the intent of this Resolution is to assure the continued attractiveness of the total community environment through the adoption of discretionary controls designed to preserve scenic, aesthetic, and economic values within the Township.  It is further determined that signs  lawfully  erected and maintained under the provisions of this Section are consistent with customary usage.   

The standards contained herein are intended to be content neutral while achieving the following objectives: 

A. Recognize the proliferation of signs is unduly distracting to motorists and non-motorists travelers, reduces the effectiveness of signs directing and warning the public, causes confusion, reduces desired uniform traffic flow, and creates the potential for vehicular crashes. 

B. Prevent signs that are potentially dangerous to the public because of structural deficiencies or disrepair. 

C. Reduce visual pollution and physical obstructions caused by a proliferation of signs which could diminish the Township’s image, property values, and quality of life. 

D. Recognize that the principal intent of commercial signs, to meet the purpose of these standards and serve the public interest, should be for identification of an establishment on the premises, and not for advertising special events, brand names, or off-premise activities;  alternative channels of advertising communication and media are available for advertising that does not create visual blight and compromise safety of the motoring public. 

E. Enable the public to locate goods, services and facilities without excessive difficulty and confusion by restricting the number and placement of signs.

F. Prevent placement of signs that will conceal or obscure signs of adjacent uses. 

G. Protect the public right to receive messages, especially non-commercial messages such as religious, political, economic, social, philosophical and other types of information projected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. 

H. Achieve a substantial government interest for public safety, aesthetics, and protection of property values. 

I. Maintain and improve the image of the Township by encouraging signs that are compatible with and complementary to related buildings, uses, and adjacent street through the establishment of specific standards for various commercial areas in the Township. 

SECTION 4102          GENERAL PROVISIONS 

The following general provisions are applicable to all signs unless modified by the general requirements or standards of a specific zoning district. 

4102.01           SCOPE OF REQUIREMENTS  

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to erect, construct, or alter any sign in the Township except in conformance with the provisions of this Resolution, subject to issuance of a permit, except as otherwise provided herein. 

4102.02           LOCATION 

A. Setback Requirements.  

1) All signs shall be set back five (5) feet from the existing right-of-way or right-of-way as shown on the Official Thoroughfare Plan for Montgomery County, whichever is greater, unless otherwise exempted.   

2) Signs shall be setback at least three (3) feet from the closest edge of any parking lot. 

3) Freestanding signs shall be located no closer than fifty (50) feet to any residential or agricultural district.

B. Clear Corner Vision. No sign shall be erected on any lot which will obstruct the view of drivers in vehicles approaching an intersection of two roads or the intersection of a road and a driveway as required in SECTION 3602 TRAFFIC VISIBILITY ACROSS CORNER LOTS, INTERSECTIONS, AND DRIVES. 

4102.03           CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS   

A. General Requirements.  All signs shall be designed and constructed in a safe and stable manner in accordance with the County’s adopted building code, electrical code, and other applicable codes and ordinances. All electrical wiring associated with a freestanding sign shall be installed underground. 

B. Erector’s Imprint.  Signs which require a permit under this Article must carry the identification and address of the sign installer, electrical voltage (when applicable), and date of erection in clearly legible letters whether for the initial erection or rehanging of a sign. In case of re-hanging or re-erection of any sign, the new erector must place his identification, address and the date on the sign. 

C. Fastenings.  All signs must be erected in such a manner and with such materials to remain safe and secure during the period of use and all bolts, cables, and other parts of such signs shall be kept painted and free from corrosion. 

D.  Freestanding Signs.  Freestanding signs shall be securely fastened to the ground or to some other substantial supportive structure so that there is no danger that either the sign or the supportive structure may be moved by the wind or other forces and cause injury to persons or property. 

E.  Sanitation/Landscaping.  Property surrounding any freestanding sign shall be kept clean, sanitary and free from obnoxious and offensive substances, weeds, debris, rubbish, and flammable material. All plant materials and other landscaping surrounding a freestanding sign shall be maintained on a regular basis, including pruning, mowing, watering, fertilizing and replacement of dead and diseased materials. 

4102.04           MEASUREMENT 

A. Sign Area.  Sign area shall be computed as follows: 

1. General Requirements. Where a sign consists of a generally flat surface or sign face on which lettering and other information is affixed, the sign area shall be computed by measuring the entire face of the sign.

2.  Individual Letters.  Where a sign consists of individual letters and logo affixed directly to a building, the area of the sign shall be computed by measuring the area of the envelope required to enclose the lettering and logo. 

3.  Freestanding Sign.  The area of a double-faced freestanding sign shall be computed using only one (1) face of the sign provided that: 1) the outline and dimensions of both faces are identical, and 2) the faces are back-to-back so that only one face is visible at any given time. 

4. Ground Sign.  The area of a ground sign shall be computed by measuring the entire vertical surface of a face upon which the letters and logo are attached.  In the case of a multi-faced ground sign, the area of the sign shall be computed using only one face of the sign.  

5. Cylindrical Sign.  The area of a cylindrical sign shall be computed by multiplying the sign diameter by its height. 

B. Setback and Distance Measurements.  The following guidelines shall be used to  determine compliance with setback and distance measurements:

1. The distance between two signs shall be measured along a straight horizontal line that represents the shortest distance between the two signs. 

2. The distance between a sign and a parking lot or building shall be measured along a straight horizontal line that represents the shortest distance between the outer edge of the parking lot or building. 

C. Height Measurements.  Sign height shall be computed as follows: 

1. The height of a freestanding sign shall be determined by measuring the vertical distance between the top part of the sign or its structure or frame, whichever is highest, to the elevation of the ground directly beneath the sign. 

The Zoning Administrator shall use the elevation of the street curb nearest the location of the sign for determining sign height when a freestanding sign is located on a hill or earth berm. 

2. The height of an awning, canopy, marquee or window sign shall be determined by measuring the vertical distance between the top part of the of a sign letter, symbol, panel, or frame, whichever is highest to the elevation of ground underneath the sign.  

3. Any material whose major function is to provide structural support for a sign shall be considered part of the sign for purposes of determining sign height.   

4102.05           ILLUMINATION 

A. General Requirements.  Signs shall be illuminated only by steady, stationary, shielded light sources directed solely at the sign, or internal to it. 

B. Non-Glare, Shielded Lighting.  Use of glaring, unshielded or undiffused lights or bulbs shall be prohibited. Lights shall be shielded so as not to project onto adjoining properties or thoroughfares. 

C. Traffic Hazards.  Sign illumination that could distract motorists or otherwise create a traffic hazard shall be prohibited. 

D. Bare Bulb Illumination.  Illumination by bare bulbs or flames is prohibited.                                                 

4102.06           SIGN DESIGN FEATURES   

The following standards shall apply to all signs:   

A. Character.  All signs shall be designed, constructed, and maintained so as to be appropriate in appearance with the existing character of their vicinity and so as not to change the essential character of such area.

B. Location. Signs shall not cover architectural details such as arches, transom windows, doors, moldings, columns, capitals, sills, cornices and similar details. 

C. Material.  Sign materials shall complement the construction materials and architectural style of the building facade. 

D. Lettering Style.  Lettering style shall be clean and simple to assure readability and shall be in harmony with the style of architecture of the building.  No more than two (2) different type styles shall be used on each sign. 

E. Colors.  No more than three (3) colors that are in harmony with the building color and architecture may be used per sign.

4102.07           EXEMPTED SIGNS 

The following signs are not subject to the provisions of this Resolution: 

A. Government signs for control of traffic and other regulatory purposes, street signs, warning signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public service companies for the purpose of safety. 

B. Flags, emblems, and insignia of any governmental agencies or subdivision and temporary displays of a patriotic, religious, charitable, or civic character. 

C. Commemorative plaques placed by recognized historical agencies. 

D. On-site informational signs, set back requirements exempted only, subject to the following conditions: 

1. On-site informational signs, such as directional signs, shall not  contain logos or other forms of advertising. 

2. On-site informational signs shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area, or three (3) feet in height. 

E. Signs that designate a site, building, facility, or portion thereof as barrier-free.  

F. Address numbers with a numeral height no greater than six (6) inches for residences and eighteen (18) inches for businesses. 

G. Nameplates identifying the occupants of the building, not to exceed one (1) square foot. 

H. Incidental window signs, provided that total of all such signs shall not  exceed two (2) square feet. 

I. Portable real estate "open house" signs with an area no greater than six (6) square feet in area advertising the sale, rental, or lease of that particular property. 

J. "Help wanted" signs soliciting employees for the place of business where posted, provided that the maximum area for all such signs shall be four (4) square feet. 

K. "No Trespassing," "No Hunting," and "No Dumping" signs.

L. Political campaign signs announcing the candidacy of persons running for public office, or relating to issues to be voted on in an election or providing other election related information are permitted only on private property and can only be put up sixty (60) days before the election and remain fourteen  (14) days after the election.  Political signs shall be no larger than two (2) feet by three (3) feet.

M. Permanent signs on vending machines, fuel pumps, automatic teller machines (ATM) or ice containers indicating only the contents and operational instructions for the devices, provided that the sign area for each device shall not exceed four (4) square feet. 

N.  Agricultural signs advertising seed when displayed on a field planted  with the same brand and type of seed.  Such signs shall not exceed eight (8) square feet. 

O. Agricultural signs advertising agricultural commodities that are produced on the premises. Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet.  

4102.08           MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION 

A. All signs and sign structures shall be kept in repair and in a proper state of preservation.  Signs that are structurally unsafe or otherwise cause a public safety hazard by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment shall be repaired in accordance with Section 4102.13 Sign Owner Responsibility or removed in accordance with Section 4102.09 Removal of Signs. 

B. Inspection of Existing Signs.  The Township Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to routinely enter onto property to inspect existing signs.  In conducting such inspections, the Zoning Administrator, with a County building official,  shall determine whether the sign is adequately supported, painted to prevent corrosion, and so secured to the building or other support as to safely bear the weight of the sign and pressure created by the wind.  

                        C. Correction of Defects.  If the Township Zoning Administrator or County building official finds that any sign is unsafe, insecure, improperly constructed, or poorly maintained, the sign erector, owner of the sign, or owner of the land shall make the sign safe and secure by completing any necessary re-construction or repairs, or entirely remove the sign in accordance with the timetable established by the Zoning Administrator.

4102.09   REMOVAL OF SIGNS 

Any sign that no longer identifies a business that is in operation, or that identifies an activity or event that has already occurred, shall be considered abandoned and shall be removed by the owner, agent, or person having use of the building or structure.  Upon vacating a commercial or industrial establishment, the proprietor shall be responsible for removal of all signs used in conjunction with the business.  

Signs which are no longer functional or are abandoned or identifies an activity or event that has already occurred shall be removed in compliance with the provisions of this Resolution within thirty (30) days following such malfunction or abandonment. 

4102.10  NONCONFORMING SIGNS 

A. Any signs erected prior to the enactment of this Resolution and not conforming to the provisions of this Resolution shall be deemed to be nonconforming.  This shall not prohibit the posting or maintaining in a safe condition any sign which is nonconforming. 

B. Any nonconforming sign which is altered, relocated, or replaced shall comply with all provisions of this Resolution. 

C. Normal maintenance shall be permitted, provided that any nonconforming sign that is destroyed by any means to an extent greater than fifty (50) percent of the sign's pre-catastrophe fair market value, exclusive of the foundation, shall not be reconstructed.  Normal maintenance shall include painting of chipped or faded signs; replacement of faded or damaged surface panels; or, repair or replacement of electrical wiring or electrical devices.  A non-conforming sign shall not be structurally altered to prolong the life of the sign. 

4102.11  PERMITS 

A. Permit Required.  Building and zoning permits shall be obtained for erection, construction, enlargement, relocation or modification of any size sign, as regulated by the Building Inspection Department of Montgomery County and the Clay Township Zoning Resolution.  

B. Fee. A permit shall require payment of a fee, which shall be established by the Township Trustees.  Permits for sign construction shall expire six (6) months from the date they are issued.

C. Permit Applications.  Application for a sign permit shall be made upon forms provided by the Zoning Administrator.  The following information shall be required: 

1. Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant. 

2. Location of the building, structure, or lot on which the sign is to be attached or erected. 

3. Position of the sign in relation to building facade, nearby buildings, structures, and property lines. 

4. Plans showing sign dimensions, materials, colors, lettering as it will appear on the completed sign, method of construction, and attachment to the building or in the ground. 

5. Name and address of the person, firm, or corporation owning, erecting, and maintaining the sign. 

6. Other information required by the Zoning Administrator to make the determination that the sign is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. 

7. Written consent of owner or lessee of the premises upon which sign is to be erected. 

D.  Issuance of a Permit.  The applicant shall be given a permit by the  Zoning Administrator after a complete sign application is submitted for the Zoning Administrator’s review and approval. Sign applications that are not complete or do not meet the minimum standards required in this Resolution shall not be approved. 

E. Inspection.  All signs for which a permit has been issued shall be inspected by the Zoning Administrator when erected.  Approval shall be granted only if the sign has been constructed in compliance with the approved plans and applicable Zoning Resolution and Building Code standards.  In cases where fastenings or anchorages are to be eventually bricked in or otherwise enclosed, the sign erector shall advise the Zoning Administrator when such fastenings are to be installed so that inspection may be completed before enclosure. 

F. Exceptions.  A new permit shall not be required for ordinary servicing or repainting of an existing sign message, cleaning of a sign, or changing of the message on the sign where the sign is designed for such changes (such as lettering on a marquee or numbers on a gasoline price sign).  Furthermore, a permit shall not be required for certain exempt signs listed in Section 4102.07.

4102.12           PROHIBITED SIGNS 

A. No signs shall be attached or otherwise applied to trees, bus shelters, utility poles, benches, trash receptacles, vending machines, or any other unapproved supporting structure or otherwise placed in the public right-of-way. 

B. Pennants, banners, streamers, festoons, spinners, balloons, and similar type devices.  

C. No sign shall be spinning devices affixed to the ground or otherwise affixed in a permanent manner to an approved supporting structure. 

D. Signs which are not securely affixed to the ground or otherwise affixed in a permanent manner to an approved supporting structure. 

E. No wall sign shall extend above the wall or parapet of a building to which it is affixed. 

F. All blinking, flashing, or intermittent lighting; however, time and temperature signs shall bepermitted. 

G. Moving, revolving, or rotating signs. 

H. Off-premise advertising signs within six hundred and sixty (660) feet from the nearest edge of the right-of-way of all interstate highways and freeways. 

I. Roof signs or signs mounted on marquees. 

J. Portable signs, except where expressly permitted in this Resolution. 

K. No sign shall be erected at or near any intersection of any streets,  driveway entrance or exit, or any railway and any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision or at any location where, by reason of position, shape, or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device or which makes use of the words, “stop,” “look,” “danger,” or other word, phrase, or symbol in such manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic. 

L. Any sign containing obscene, indecent, or immoral matter. 

M. Off-premise advertising signs, except where expressly permitted in this Resolution. 

N. Real estate signs no longer valid due to the sale, rental, or lease of the property.

O. String lights used for commercial purposes, other than holiday decorations. 

P.  Signs affixed to a parked motor vehicle or truck trailer which is being used principally for advertising purposes, rather than for transportation purposes 

Q. Any sign not expressly permitted. 

R. Abandoned signs, as specified in Section 4102.09. 

S. Projecting signs. 

4102.13           SIGN OWNER RESPONSIBILITY 

A. The property owner shall be held responsible for the removal and subsequent disposal of all abandoned signs, including the complete blocking out of painted wall signs. 

B. The owner of the sign shall be held responsible for sign maintenance, repair, and upkeep. 

C. If any sign reaches a state of disrepair and is deemed unsightly or unsafe or abandoned by the Clay Township Zoning Administrator and is not properly renovated, it shall be condemned and an order issued for its removal immediately at the expense of the sign owner or property owner. 

4102.14           SIGNS NEAR “R” DISTRICTS 

A. No sign shall be located in a business or industrial district within one hundred (100) feet of any residentially zoned district in such a manner as to be primarily viewed from residentially zoned property or from any street or alley within an residential district. 

B. Illumination resulting from all signs and lighting on any property in a non-residential zoning district shall not exceed one-half (½) foot candles at a height of five (5) feet when measured at any point on property in a residential zoning district.  

SECTION 4103          TEMPORARY SIGNS 

4103.01           STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS     

A. Shall be located on the premises to which they refer. 

B. Shall not be illuminated.

C. Temporary signs shall be permitted as specified in the following table.

Temporary Sign Standards (Section 4103)

Footnotes

[a]        The temporary sign shall comply with the setback requirements for the district in which it is located.

[b]        On a corner parcel two (2) signs, one (1) facing each street, shall be permitted.

[c]        One sign shall be permitted for each frontage on a secondary or major thoroughfare.

[d]        The temporary sign may be located in the required setback area, but shall not be located within the road right-of-way.

[e]        Community special event signs may include ground or wall signs, subject to obtaining a permit    from the Zoning Administrator. Banners, pennants, or similar displays may be permitted subject to Zoning Board approval.

[f]         The total of all window signs, temporary and permanent, shall not exceed one-half (1/2) of the total window area.  Temporary window signs shall not exceed ten (10) square feet. The area of permanent window signs shall also be counted in determining compliance with standards for total area of wall signs.

[g]        Temporary window signs that are faded, yellowed, ripped or otherwise damaged shall be          removed immediately.

[h]        Any costs incurred by the Township in removing political signs shall be assessed against the candidate, the committee designated pursuant to Chapter 519 of the Ohio Revised Code or other legal means available under current law and such other person or entity responsible for erecting the sign. In any prosecution for violation of the requirements concerning political signs, proof that a sign contains a message advocating the election of a candidate shall be deemed prima facie evidence that such candidate is responsible for the erection and maintenance of such sign. In addition, where a sign is located on private property, proof that a person or entity is the owner or is in control of such property shall be deemed prima facia evidence that such person or entity is responsible for the erection and maintenance of such sign.

SECTION 4104.         OFF‑PREMISE ADVERTISING SIGNS (BILLBOARDS)

Freestanding off‑premise advertising signs shall be permitted in non-residential zoning districts, subject to the following requirements: 

4104.01                                                           STANDARDS                         

A. Maximum Size.  No such sign shall exceed one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet in area per sign face facing an interstate highway, or three hundred (300) square feet next to a state highway. Off-premise advertising signs shall not have more than two (2) sign faces. 

B. Maximum Height.  The maximum height for such signs shall be equal to the height restrictions set for principal structures within the zoning district in which it is located. 

C. Locations Permitted.  Off-premise advertising is permitted in agriculture, business and industrial districts located adjacent to an interstate highway.  Off-premise advertising signs are also permitted adjacent to state highways, excluding highways designated as scenic  byways, in business and industrial districts. Off-premises advertising signs shall not be located on or over the roofs of buildings. 

D. Setbacks. 

1. Highway Right-of-way. No off-premise advertising device shall be erected or maintained within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the edge of the right-of-way of an interstate highway.  

2. Property Lines.  Off‑premise advertising signs shall comply with the building setback requirements for the district in which they are located.  

3. Non-compatible Use or Structure.  No part of any such sign shall be located closer than five hundred (500) feet to any residential dwelling unit, residential zoning district, park, school, church, hospital, cemetery, or government building.  

E. Distance from Other Signs. 

1. There shall be a minimum of two thousand (2,000) feet between off-premise advertising signs along any interstate highway.  Only one (1) off-premise sign may be located on either side of an interstate highway  for each two thousand (2,000) foot segment, including signs in adjacent municipalities. 

2. There shall be a minimum of two hundred fifty (250) feet between any off-premises advertising sign and any on-premise sign. 

F. Content.  Each face of the sign shall exhibit no more than two pictorials and/or two written messages about one use, product, service, goods, event or facility located on other premises.  No face of a sign shall be so designed as to give the impression of more than two signs.

G. Any off-premise sign not in use for advertising purposes shall have unused surfaces kept uniformly white in color overall.  However, the owner of the sign shall be permitted to place a phone number on it to which inquiries for advertisement may be directed. 

H. Bi-annual Permit. A copy of the State of Ohio required bi-annual permit shall be forwarded to the Clay Township Zoning Administrator. 

I. Additional Requirements. All outdoor advertising signs shall comply with all applicable requirements and conditions to the Ohio Revise Code and Administrative Code for advertising device control. 

SECTION 4105          SIGNS IN RESIDENTIAL AND AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS 

4105.01           PERMITTED SIGNS  

The following signs shall be permitted in residential and agricultural zoning districts. 

A. Identification Signs.  A nameplate sign and street address shall be permitted in accordance with Section 4102.07.  

B.  Temporary Signs.  Real estate signs, garage sale signs, and other temporary signs shall be permitted in accordance with Section 4103. 

C. Residential Entranceway or Identification Signs.  Permanent residential entranceway or identification signs shall be permitted in accordance with the following regulations: 

1. There shall be no more than one (1) such sign located at each entrance to a subdivision or other residential development. 

2. Sign materials shall complement the construction materials and architectural style of the houses within the subdivision.  Landscaping shall be provided to create an aesthetically pleasing and safe identification for the residential development. 

3. Entranceway structures shall not exceed four (4) feet in height and  thirty-two (32) square feet in area. 

4. The area of the sign message shall cover no more than fifty (50) percent of the entranceway structure. 

5. Such signs shall be set back a minimum distance of five (5) feet from any property line or right-of-way line consistent with the standards of Section 4102.02 A and Section 4102.02B.   

D. HOME OCCUPATION SIGNS 

1. Permits for home occupation signs shall be issued by the Zoning Administrator.

2. Home occupation signs shall be limited to signs placed on the  facade of the structure in which the home occupation is conducted.

3. No more than one (1) non-illuminated sign shall be allowed for each home occupation.  Said sign shall display only the name and occupation of the residents on the premises. 

4. No sign for a home occupation shall have more than one (1) face, nor shall any sign face exceed three (3) square feet in area. 

E. Signs for Nonresidential Uses in Residential Districts 

Nonresidential uses in residential districts, such as schools, colleges, museums, municipal buildings, churches, and country clubs shall be permitted to erect the following signage: 

1. Freestanding Signs including Bulletin Boards.  

a. Size.  There shall be no more than one (1) freestanding sign per parcel. The total area of the permitted free standing sign shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet. 

b. Setbacks.  Freestanding signs shall be set back a minimum distance of five (5) feet from any property line or right-of-way line consistent with the standards of Section 4102.02.A and Section 4102.02.B. 

c. Setback from Building.  A minimum two (2) foot horizontal separation and six (6) foot vertical separation shall be maintained between any freestanding sign and any building or other structure.

d. Height. The maximum height of any freestanding sign shall be seven (7) feet.  

2.  Wall signs.

a. Size.  There shall be no more than one (1) wall sign per parcel.  The total area of wall sign shall not exceed one (1) square foot per linear foot of building frontage, not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area.

b. Location.  Wall signs shall be permitted only on the side of a building which faces the front lot line. 

c. Height. The top of a wall sign shall not be higher than whichever is lowest: 

i. The maximum height specified for the district in which the sign is located. 

ii. The height of the building facing the street on which the sign is located. 

F. Management Office Identification.  Rental or management offices in the residential district shall be permitted one (1) identification sign not to exceed six (6) square feet in area. 

SECTION 4106          SIGNS IN NON-RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS  

4106. 01          PERMITTED SIGNS 

The following signs shall be permitted in non-residential districts. 

A. Signs for Residential Uses in a Nonresidential District 

Signs for nonconforming residential uses in nonresidential districts shall be governed by the sign regulations for residential district uses set forth in Section 4105. 

B. Temporary Signs.  Real estate signs and other temporary signs shall be permitted in accordance with Section 4103. 

C. Wall Signs 

Wall signs shall be permitted in business and industrial districts subject to the following regulations: 

1. Number.  One (1) wall sign shall be permitted per street or highway frontage on each parcel. In the case of a multi-tenant building or shopping center, one (1) wall sign shall be permitted for each tenant having an individual means of public access. Tenants who occupy a corner space in a multi-tenant structure shall be permitted to have one (1) sign on each side of the building. Where several tenants use a common entrance in a multi-tenant structure, only one (1) wall sign shall be permitted, but the total sign area may be allocated on an equal basis to all tenants.

2. Size. 

a. Single Tenant Building.  The total area of a wall sign shall not exceed one (1) square foot per lineal foot of building frontage not to exceed  seventy (70) square feet. 

                        b. Multi-tenant Building.  The total area of a wall sign shall not exceed one (1) square foot per lineal foot of building frontage not to exceed sixty-four (64) square feet.  The center of the wall sign shall be placed in the center of the unit on which it is affixed. 

c. Vertical Dimensions.  The maximum vertical dimension of any wall sign shall not exceed thirty (30) percent of the building height. 

d. Horizontal Dimensions  The maximum horizontal dimension of any wall-mounted sign shall not exceed seventy-five (75) percent of the width of the building. 

e. Height.  The top of a wall sign shall not be higher than whichever is lowest: 

i. The maximum height specified for the district in which the sign is located. 

ii. The top of the sills at the first level of windows above the first story. 

iii. The height of the building facing the street on which the sign is located. 

D.  FREESTANDING SIGNS 

Freestanding signs, as defined herein, shall be permitted in business and industrial districts subject to the following regulations: 

1. Number.  One (1) freestanding sign shall be permitted per street or highway frontage on each parcel. However, only one (1) sign shall be permitted on lots having frontage on more than one street if a single sign can be located such that it is visible from both streets. In multi-tenant buildings or shopping centers the sign area may be allocated for use by individual tenants.

2. Size.   

a. Single Tenant Building. The total area of the freestanding sign shall not exceed one  (1) square feet per lineal foot of lot-frontage, not to exceed eighty (80) square feet. 

b. Multi-tenant Building.  The total area of the freestanding sign shall not exceed one (1)  square feet per lineal foot of lot-frontage, not to exceed one-hundred (100) square feet. A maximum of fifty (50) percent of the sign area may be changeable copy signage.

c. Size Bonus.  The sign area may be increased up to a maximum of ten (10) percent for signs that meet each of the following standards as determined by the Zoning Administrator or Zoning Commission:

i Are constructed out of high quality building materials such as brick, stone, decorative block, faux wood and similar attractive and durable building materials. 

ii.  Are compatible with the character of the building that it advertises and with the overall character of the surrounding area. The sign should complement and enhance building architecture.   

iii. Contain the minimal amount of information as possible to reflect simplicity and improve sign legibility.  Sign content should be limited to company name and identification logo.  

iv. Have an appropriate contrast with a limited use of harmonious  colors.  A sign or a series of signs shall have a continuity of design throughout the sign and sign area. 

v.  A landscaping area equal to the sign area shall be provided around the sign base.  The landscape area shall include living plants aesthetically located and maintained.  Impervious material shall not be permitted within the landscape area.  

3. Height 

a. Single Tenant Building.  The height of a freestanding sign in any nonresidential district shall not exceed six (6) feet in height, measured above the grade of the nearest street.

b. Multi-tenant Building.  The height of a freestanding sign in any nonresidential district shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height, measured above the grade of the nearest street. 

4. Setback from Residential Districts.  Freestanding signs shall be located no closer than fifty (50) feet to any residential district. 

5. Street Address. The street address number shall be clearly displayed on the sign in numerals not less than six (6) inches or more than twelve (12) inches in height. Required street address numbers are not counted in the total area of the sign. 

E. Gasoline Price Signs.  Gasoline price signs shall be permitted subject to the following standards: 

1. Number.   In addition to other permitted signs, one (1) gasoline price sign shall be permitted per street frontage.

                           2. Size.  Gasoline price signs shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area.  The area permitted for gasoline signs can be added to the area of a freestanding sign.  The maximum height of the freestanding sign combined with a gasoline price sign shall be nine (9) feet. 

F.  Marquee Signs.  Marquee signs shall be permitted for theaters located in commercial districts subject to the following requirements: 

1. Construction.  Marquee signs shall consist of hard incombustible materials. The written message shall be affixed flat to the vertical face of the marquee. 

2. Vertical Clearance.  A minimum vertical clearance of ten (10) feet shall be provided beneath any marquee. 

3. Projection.  Limitations imposed by this Ordinance concerning projection of signs from the face of a wall or building shall not apply to marquee signs, provided that marquee signs shall comply with the setback requirements f or the district in which they are located. 

4. Number.  One (1) marquee shall be permitted per lot. 

G. Awnings and Canopies.  Signs on awnings and canopies in commercial and industrial districts shall be permitted, subject to the following standards: 

1.Coverage.  The total area of the lettering and logo shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the total area of the awning or canopy that would be visible in a drawing of a facade on which the awning is located.